Where Sri Lanka’s focus should be in Rugby
There’s many a slip twixt the cup and the lip was the feeling as Sri Lanka came close to beating Japan in the Asian Sevens Series third led played at the Racecourse ground in Sri Lanka last weekend.
Action at the Sri Lanka Vs Japan match
The good thing is that the Tuskers showed that they were close to getting there and be in a final. More important this time around was that it was a team of Sri Lankans that cleaned Malaysia by 45 points to 12 to win third place.
Just as much as they did it in the Pool stage Malaysia proved to be easy fodder. It was Sri Lanka and none playing under the eligibility rules of World Rugby as some teams did.
The third place was one better than the fourth place Sri Lanka has been in the last two of the Asian Sevens Series. Sri Lanka remain in the fourth overall however.
The highlight of the Sevens for Sri Lanka was the semi-final against Japan which they lost 19 points to 26. Sri Lanka pushed Japan for most periods of the game though Japan took the lead to 19 to 7 at halftime.
It was a case of poor ball handling that denied Sri Lanka an early lead in less than two minutes of the game followed by a crooked throw in a line out that paved the way for Japan to score and take the lead.
This was followed by two more tries. Sri Lanka made unforced errors when they had try scoring opportunities which otherwise would have been the upset of the tournament.
According to reports in ARFU Rugby, Sri Lanka was the most improved side in this tournament. On their way to the semi-final Sri Lanka beat South Korea after being led 12 points to 7 at half time.
Sri Lanka fought back to get the better of South Korea winning the game 19-12.
Sri Lanka needs to curb the tendency to succumb under pressure and earn yellow cards on and off. Professional foul, repeated mistakes at the tackle, taking a man in the air were mistakes that earned temporary suspensions.
What has to be understood is that this is Sevens where the emphasis will be on quick ball and continuity. The penalties will come fast and possibly we may think it is harsh.
The emphasis is for quick ball and penalizes those who hinder the flow.
Sri Lanka Sevens has the potential to be in the top league unlike the prospects of the 15s team. The need is for more competition and tough competition.
This was discussed by many stalwarts at the grounds and was taking about participating in more tournaments such as Singapore, Amsterdam and other Sevens in the World.
This may also require a permanent Sevens squad in addition to funding. Tournaments around the year could lure more to Sevens Rugby.
A question of domestic tournaments had Doc Maiya Gunasekera chipping with a practical solution: which was for the top teams of Sevens players to play teams that may have eight or nine.
That according to the rugby Doc is competition and opposition.
The talk of visiting teams was how great the Racecourse venue looked. The typical expectation for an international event was their view.
On day one the crowds were somewhat disappointing which looked like the Sri Lankan Orchestra was playing to an empty hall in the first match.
The crowds improved as we played the second and was much encouraging on day two. Hopefully we should see more Asian Sevens in the venue next year around.
This also needs the support of the Ministry of Tourism for better hotel rates to house teams with lesser costs in providing a sportsman meal.
Packages and offers can also help tourism.Another point the authorities for rugby need to look and talk to the management of the ground is on the injury statistics and data.
This could be obtained from the ARFU medical team that was here. The number of ankle injuries was around seven players plus another one of a referee.
This is something that has to be looked at as ankle injuries can be a result of the ground conditions which can be addressed.
Japan remained unbeaten in the Asian Sevens Series 2015 when they defeated Hong Kong 29-22 in the Cup final to emerge as hot favorites to win the automatic Olympic berth from the region which will be decided at the Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier tournament in Hong Kong in November.
That was after a tough fight at the hands of Sri Lanka in the semi-final.
The other finalist Hong Kong beat Chinese Taipei 33-5 in the quarters and Malaysia 38-7 in the semi-finals. In the pool games South Korea were shocked by Thailand but ended winning the Plate competition to finish third overall in the series.
Hong Kong finished second confirming a place with Japan in the Sevens World Series qualifying tournament to be played at the Hong Kong Sevens in April.
The Japanese won a double when they won the Asian championship beating China to win the Women’s Cup final. The Japanese women will now be one of the favourites to win the Asian Women’s berth to the Olympics.
* Vimal Perera is a former player, coach, referee and an IRB Accredited Referees’ Educator